Chapter 1-The Deal
Kate ran out of the lift and into the bullpen as quickly as she could without breaking into a run. After sitting down and composing herself she looked around, hopping no one had noticed she was late. Much to her disappointment Tony was sitting at his own desk looking at her, while flashing his trademark smile.
"Well, well, well look who's late today."
"I'm only 5 minutes late, Tony."
"5 minutes is still late Kate. What will Gibbs think?"
Kate looked up at Tony in alarm.
"You're not going to tell him are you? I mean I was only like 5 minutes late."
Kate's expression was so helpless that Tony just had to laugh.
"Fine Kate, I wont tell him……….if you have dinner with me tonight."
Kate recovered quickly from her shock at being asked out by Tony, she was sure she didn't stand a chance with him.
"Why does there always have to be an 'if' with you Tony?"
"That's my offer, take it or leave it."
Kate didn't have to even think about it, but just for show she waited a few seconds before answering.
"Fine, as long as I can chose the restaurant."
"Fine by me."
"Fine"
"Fine"
Gibbs chose that moment to walk into the bullpen. He had an extra specially large file in one hand, and an even bigger cup of coffee in the other. He walked over and gave half the file to Kate and the other half to Tony.
"Go through these files and look for anything we can use to catch the bastard, I'm going down to see Ducky." With that he just left. He didn't say anything else until he got into the elevator, he then turned around and spoke to Kate.
"If your ever late again you'll be doing everyone else's paperwork for a week." The elevator doors closed and Kate and Tony were alone once more.